Nicole Ryan (Sinn Fein)

I want to take a moment to address the horrific scenes we witnessed in Liverpool yesterday. What unfolded on the streets was utterly disgraceful, violent chaos that left innocent people injured and a city shaken. There is absolutely no place for such behaviour in any democratic society and we stand in full solidarity with all those affected - the injured, their families and the wider Liverpool community, who will be reeling in the aftermath from hereon in.

I turn to an issue that speaks to the kind of society we do want to build, one that supports, uplifts and empowers young people. Youth work is not a luxury but an essential service that offers young people safe, voluntary spaces to be themselves, grow, thrive and develop the skills they need. Unlike school or social services, youth work is chosen by young people and that choice builds trust, confidence and resilience within them. The Opportunities for Youth strategy promised a clear implementation plan by the end of 2024 but that has not happened. The sector has been sidelined, with funding, participation and youth spaces all hanging in the balance. We were told a project management agency would be procured in early 2025. Has that happened? I am not sure. Has the promised cross-government forum been established yet? Again, I am unsure. I call for a debate with the Minister for Education and Youth on this because the youth sector deserves answers and young people deserve a lot better.